It will be Monday night football at its very best in Merseyside tomorrow when Everton and Liverpool lock horns with each other in what will be the 227th Merseyside derby in history. Many call it the ‘Friendly Derby’ but the intensity of this game is at a whole different level.
This fixture has produced more red cards than any other Premier League fixture till date. Both sides will give their 200% to salvage a crucial win. Chelsea are nine points clear of Liverpool at the top of the table and losing points could cost Klopp’s boys their title dreams.
Here are three key battles those could decide the game.
Divock Origi vs Ramiro Funes Mori
Origi has been in a sublime form of late since he got into the team after Coutinho’s injury. The Belgian has five goals in his last five games for the Reds and brings much more than just goals to the team. He is a hard-working player who has everything you want from a forward- pace, power, strength and skills.
Everton’s porous backline will face severe test to keep away Origi from doing the damage. Funes Mori was sent off in the last Merseyside derby for an unprofessional and poor challenge on Origi that injured the Belgian. Origi will definitely want to get the best of the Argentine on Monday.
Adam Lallana vs Idrissa Gueye
Lallana is the player who makes Liverpool midfield tick. The Englishman is everywhere on the pitch with his tireless running and pressing. He has been instrumental for Liverpool this season with goals and assists on a regular basis.
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye has to be on top of his game to keep away Lallana from exploiting Everton defence. The Senegalese international is strong defensively and has the ability to read the game. He must come up with a way to stop Lallana if Everton have to salvage anything from the game.
Ross Barkley vs Jordan Henderson
Ross Barkley is having an up and down season at Goodison Park this time around. He has always been a quality young player but lacks consistency which is why he is yet to reach the top level. Barkley had an impressive last game against Arsenal and will be keen to show his true colours against Liverpool.
Henderson has been a revelation this season in number six but his main job is to dictate the tempo of the game from deep. Barkley has what it takes to take advantage of Henderson’s average defensive work and if he manages to do that, Everton can hope to beat the mighty Reds.
